You can always tell which one is the pastor.
They’re the more distinguished looking one in a suit or dress – or tailored jeans and a collared shirt – or robe with a stole. They’ll be the ones shaking everyone’s hand at the back of the church as people enter and exit; the ones who give that long speech during the service. We most often define our pastors by what they do in the confines of the church walls. When they are outside their church biome, they always seem to be visiting hospitalized congregants or going about other church business.
We see them more or less as CEOs, the ones directing and leading from the comfort of a desk. Generally speaking, that’s how leadership is viewed in our modern America: from our top brass of big companies or those leading a successful church: our leaders are tucked away, leading. The “work” is placed on the backs of the subordinate workers or committee heads which then dole out the rest.
This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. It’s not the example Jesus gave.
We are called to live as servant leaders – those who get on our hands and knees and wash each others’ feet. This is leading by serving. The greatest in God’s Kingdom is the one who serves. Jesus was the same way.
If Jesus had come in the early 21st century, I doubt he would have have a corner office at a church building. I doubt he would have a “Reserved for Pastor” parking lot marker. He would see the world as His office, equipping workers for His kingdom and taking care of the needs of others. Throughout the Bible, Jesus was with the people where they were – even when it was a cultural taboo to do so (i.e. the woman Samaritan at the well, eating with well known sinners like prostitutes….). Jesus broke down walls and met with people where they were – on the street, local businesses, or in their homes. While he preached in the synagogues, all of his actions were in the field. We are called to do likewise.
It becomes uncomfortable to be around people who are different from us, like the homeless, the unchurched, or other cultural groups (or all those things rolled up into one person!). It’s especially uncomfortable when they threaten to upset the norms of our cushy church life; but this exactly what Jesus calls all of us to do: to love our neighbor as ourselves and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 22.29 & 28.19). A pastor should link arms with all brothers & sisters in Christ. We are to serve with one another on the front lines, ministering to as many as possible/leading others to minister, regardless of their church status or rank in life. Board meetings are necessary, but they should not be the bulk of a pastor’s work.
“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2.1-5)